Helplines in China.

Are you struggling to cope with a physical illness? Contact a helpline in China for support.

The reality of physical illness can be disruptive to your life, impacting how you do basic tasks and the way you see yourself. A serious diagnosis can leave you feeling helpless, defeated, isolated, burdensome and afraid. There are 11 helplines in China where you can confide in a volunteer or counselor. Consider contacting them if you feel:

• Afraid of what the future holds, including the pain you may feel, disabilities or death.
• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Isolated from those who don’t comprehend your discomfort or the seriousness of your condition.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Fear of future physical discomfort, pain, changes to your routine, and possibly death.
• That you are powerless, hopeless or burdensome.
• Anxiety, tension, fear, sadness and helplessness about your condition and what the future holds.
• Fear that you'll be defined by your medical condition, instead of who you really are.

Physical illness can disrupt your sleep patterns, family life, social life, work life, and your ability to function as normal. Medication, pain and exhaustion can make it difficult to think straight or process your feelings. A bad diagnosis can feel devastating.

Physical illness can bring emotional challenges that are hard to face without proper support. In China, you can contact a helpline to speak with a counselor or volunteer who cares and understands how physical illness can impact on mental health. Asking for help does not mean that you're weak – it simply shows that you are human.